Naughty or nice: Santa Claus is in the Bay today

Last year's Tauranga Santa Parade. Photo/file

Tauranga

Heralding in the start of the Christmas season, the Trustpower Christmas parade goes on its jolly way at 11am today.

The community floats, live bands, marching teams, acrobatic groups and colourful characters would begin walking from 2nd Ave, down Devonport Rd, along The Strand and finishing up at Harington St.

A post-party parade would continue with family entertainment and face painting.

Te Puke

The sun's out, the excitement is building and at 11am the epic Te Puke Float Parade would begin to make its way up and down Jellicoe St.

Children from Te Ranga School ready for the Te Puke Christmas Parade. Photo/Stuart Whitakker

Following the parade there would be a multicultural food festival in the township, with entertainment and dishes from around the world.

Katikati

At 3pm Santa would be in Katikati for the parade and Santa in the Park.

From the Earl Industrial Area the parade would make its way down Main Rd and finish at Moore Park.

There would be prizes for best float and a participation prize of $100 to be drawn.